Despite a huge media focus on the referendum vote in Scotland, the aftermath of the vote has been surprisingly subdued. While the exit polls were proved correct, and the “no” vote is currently prevailing at a little more than 10 percentage points, the reaction from “yes” fans was one of dispirited shock rather than anger.

What had begun as a vibrant street party was taking on a more sinister aspect even before the vote count had begun. As the crowd got increasingly boisterous, with beer and bubbly flowing freely, the jovial atmosphere turned. Instead of patriotic renditions of “Flower of Scotland,” we were treated to angry tirades against the BBC for its perceived lack of impartiality.

As the group began to disperse into the night a few hangers on lingered outside of the Scottish Parliament building. But with disappointing results, particularly the shock No vote from Clackmannanshire, spirits (and flags) fell. A sizeable police presence seemed almost as disappointed by the modest turnout as they wondered through a mostly docile gathering.

I prefer the non-violent and calm response myself, and with the world’s cameras pointed at Scotland, the people have behaved amazingly well.

The leaders have begun to give their reactions.

David Cameron:

As I said during the campaign, it would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to an end.
And I know that sentiment was shared by people, not just across our country, but also around the world – because of what we’ve achieved together in the past and what we can do together in the future.
So now it is time for our United Kingdom to come together, and to move forward.
A vital part of that will be a balanced settlement – fair to people in Scotland, and importantly to everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well.

Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party and the most visible face of the “yes” movement:

It is important to say that our referendum was an agreed and consented process and Scotland has by a majority decided not, at this stage, to become an independent country.

I accept that verdict of the people and I call on all of Scotland to follow suit in accepting the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland.

Alistair Darling, leader of the “no” campaign in Scotland:

“We have chosen unity over division,” Alistair Darling, head of the No campaign, said early Friday in Glasgow. “Today is a momentous day for Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole.”

President Obama, after first releasing his opinion on the referendum, has now issued a statement about the result:

We welcome the result of yesterday’s referendum on Scottish independence and congratulate the people of Scotland for their full and energetic exercise of democracy.

The Queen is scheduled to be releasing a statement at some time today as well, which many are waiting to hear.

The biggest political question at the moment is now the future of SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond. As you can see, he has accepted the results of the vote, but whether he continues in a political leadership role seems to be in doubt. He had made Scottish independence a cornerstone of his political movement, and now that this question has been voted on – and the results not likely to be challenged for possibly another generation – his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, is being viewed as Salmond’s natural successor.

From a historical standpoint, this was a fascinating exercise in how England and Scotland still view each other after over 300 years of union. From a political standpoint, while the wonks might be crying over the loss of a potential 18 months of stories about the negotiations of dissolving a union, I’m sure most people are content to let this referendum pass from current political discussion and into history.

UPDATE 0915 PDT: It’s official, Salmond will be stepping down.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond says he intends to stand down, after losing independence vote http://t.co/SBm4yhDZ9T

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) September 19, 2014

UPDATE 1544 PDT:
The Queen has released her statement.

After many months of discussion, debate, and careful thought, we now know the outcome of the Referendum, and it is a result that all of us throughout the United Kingdom will respect.

For many in Scotland and elsewhere today, there will be strong feelings and contrasting emotions – among family, friends and neighbours. That, of course, is the nature of the robust democratic tradition we enjoy in this country. But I have no doubt that these emotions will be tempered by an understanding of the feelings of others.

Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all. Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country.

My family and I will do all we can to help and support you in this important task.

ELIZABETH R